Are there different types of rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a common household item that can be found in most medicine cabinets, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has many uses, including sanitizing surfaces and as a first aid treatment for minor cuts and bruises. But did you know that there are different types of rubbing alcohol? In this article, we will explore the world of rubbing alcohol and uncover the truth behind its variations.

What is Rubbing Alcohol?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s start with what exactly is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, also known as Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), is a colorless liquid that has a strong odor similar to acetone or nail polish remover. It’s made by combining water and propylene or ethylene oxide under high pressure leading to anhydrous IPA formation.

Its primary use is to disinfect surfaces due to its antibacterial properties (it kills bacteria guys!) . Moreover it is used topically by individuals to reduce pain or prevent infection on wounds when soap & water cleaning fails (time for several shots)

Fun Fact: Even though it carries “rubbing” in its name, you should avoid using it directly on your skin!, particularly sensitive areas such as around eyes etc..

Different Types of Rubbing Alcohol

Here comes the fun part – Did you know that not all rubbing alcohols are created equal? Yes folks, there are various grades available in market depending upon their chemical composition catered towards specific end-use applications.

1) Medical Grade

As evident from name itself Medical grade IPA products which have formulations geared toward healthcare industry utilizing quaternary ammonium compounds reducing pathogen count killing germs like staphylococcus aureus prevalentin hospital environment I mean thats serious shit..

When purchased through pharmacies / hospitals this type could be expensive like one IPA wipes package easily costs around $20-30.

Fun Fact: Incredibly versatile, medical grade IPA products could also be used to clean puncture sites pre-injection at home or tattoo parlors.

2) Industrial Grade

Unlike medical grade, industrial-grade IPA puts emphasis on pureness of the compound which enables it suitable and preferred for industrial applications like Surface Cleaners in Food industry, electronics etc as well often used by watchmakers (like myself!) (shameless plug..)

Consisting up to 99% Isopropyl means fewer impurities present decreasing overall organic load and chances of failed cleanliness validation necessary for electronic sensors, semiconductors manufacturing talk about perks!

Fun Fact: Due to zero residue left after usage makes IPA ideal solvent for cleaning camera lenses without damaging coatings on them creating smooth photos!

3) Consumer / Regular Grade

Labeled & marketed towards general public segmented by lower % purity levels varying from anywhere between ranging from just high school science fair flame demonstration all the way upto squeezing unwanted scoops with hands.

Primarily utilized nearest pharmacy / grocery stores at practically minimal pricing giving easy access to tons of households during pandemic unprecedented time frame aiding sanitization.

Fun Fact: This type is extremely popular among enthusiasts who love tinkering with homemade disinfectant spray solutions using this regular swabs available in significantly larger quantities than Medical counterparts.

Which one should you pick?

Now that we know different types out there its important to evaluate which would suit us best based upon our intended intentions.

Lets look into a quick comparison chart showcasing differences across grades :

Grades Purity Levels Common Uses
Medical Up-to 99% Quality Controlled Settings
(e.g Hospitals)
Industrial Up-to 99% Industries where stringent cleanliness standards are required.
Consumer/Regular 60 to 90% Day-to-day general household applications (Surface sanitization) (duhh)

So if you’re looking for a super clean “microbe-free” environment, opt-in for medical or industrial grades while consumer grade can be sufficient enough for routine usage like cleaning mirrors and such.

Fun Fact: Some plant enthusiasts use IPA spray on plants infected with pests aiding in treatment!

How to Use Rubbing Alcohol Safely

And now we come to the most important aspect – safe usage of rubbing alcohol..!
Don’t let its common presence mislead the potential danger hidden inside.

  • Always use rubbing alcohol in well-ventilated areas as inhalation might cause Nausea / headache sensations Might not be worth it y’all

  • Keep out of reach from childrens hands / pets leash :-)#

  • Be careful around fire sources as this solvent is highly flammable and may lead to ignition/explosions if used carelessly close by heat source!

By taking necessary precautions which goes without saying, keeps our family members around us secure eliminating any health hazards respectively.

Conclusion

There you have it folks – different types of rubbing alcohols explained giving us slight insight when making purchases based upon end-use necessity.
Good news being is that each type mentioned carries same basic chemistry structure regardless\
of impurity scores offering users disinfectants possibilities

Most importantly next time whenever someone asks whether all rubbing alcohols are same or does their composition matter?
you would proudly answer:

Heck No !! there are various compositions existing catering towards diverse applications elevating functionality ensuring safety at top priority!

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